Result of Service
The Consultant will be expected to provide bi-weekly updates on the implementation of the assignments, bilateral meetings with divisions and achievements of milestones as per workplan. Deliverable 1: Regularly assists colleagues with deciding on most relevant learning format for digital channels, advising on ways to improve delivery, design and engagement and frequently iterates and adapts recommendation based on analytics, feedback received, other data generated on and off the platform; Deliverable 2: Drafts 1-pagers and guides on different topics related to the planning and delivery of digital engagement and training, including success metrics and evaluation criteria for different learning formats (including webinars, workshops, training etc.); Deliverable 3: Improves and monitors engagement and analytics metrics for LMS encompassing all steps from registration to evaluation of a learning intervention as well as goals for the DESA SENSE community of practice, in line with e-learning work plan; analyses surveys and recommends action; Deliverable 4: Helps maintain and contribute to the DESA SENSE community of practice (on e-learning, capacity development and digital engagement); posts relevant updates and content; identifies and prepares topics for discussion for monthly webinars; Deliverable 5: Successfully uploaded (to LMS) new learning and training material, supported execution and generated key insights on digital learning activities, and participated in delivery of select live sessions, where necessary; Deliverable 6: Responds to learners’ feedback and technical questions sent to desadigital@un.org. Identifies issues and trends that may need follow-up action or changes; Deliverable 7: Provides feedback to UNSSC on issues with the LMS, encompassing registration and engagement as well as analytics functions. Answers all questions with regard to setting the standards for the PowerBI reporting and dashboard; Deliverable 8: Advises on accessibility considerations and ensures latest guidance on the topic is considered when designing and delivering e-learning; Deliverable 9: Explores latest innovations and related developments in the field of learning and virtual engagement, also in cross-cutting areas, to inform the work of DESA’s digital learning and capacity building function.
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) supports Member States in their efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs and with translating other global development commitments into national strategies and plans. The Capacity Development and Programme Management Office (CDPMO) supports DESA Divisions in the formulation and implementation of the department’s capacity development support to governments. This support has mostly been provided through workshops, training, and advisory services, most of which has been delivered in-country. Most training activities are embedded in multi-year projects, and while several of the activities will be delivered in-person, many activities will be leveraging digital technology. UN DESA is looking to become more agile, data driven and user-centered in its capacity development support and is strategically exploring how virtual activities can complement and enhance in-person support. In this respect, CDPMO has launched a digital learning and insights hub that supports divisions in delivering client-centered, engaging, and effective learning activities and digital engagements. To support this, CDPMO seeks to engage an individual consultant for 6 months, with the possibility for extension. The Consultant on Digital Learning and Insights will be part of the digital hub in CDPMO and help implement ways of further strengthening the design, delivery and evaluation of e-learning, and virtual engagement, while promoting e-learning as a strategic tool for engagement with key audiences. This is an exciting role that is both technical and hands-on while contributing to building and scaling digital capacity building at DESA. The person will be working closely with DESA’s 9 divisions in supporting their digital capacity building portfolios. Tasks include, but are not limited to: • Provide substantive and technical guidance to colleagues who are designing or upgrading digital learning solutions; by having bilateral meetings with them; by answering their questions on pedagogy, methodology and technology, amongst other related areas; and by examining their concepts and terms of references for third parties. These learning solutions encompass a range of activities including, inter alia, capacity development workshops, technical and substantive training, synchronous and asynchronous e-learning as well as microlearning. • Supports the decision process, which and how technology can be used including recommendations on the design and delivery; especially on e-learning solutions as courses on the departmental Learning Management System (LMS), facilitated webinars, micro-learning etc. • Provides guidance and assistance to colleagues who want to move courses from other platforms to the LMS, which is Moodle-based; • Guides the design and delivery of learning solutions including suggesting formats and design options; setting up of courses and other e-learning on the LMS and provides first level support for the participants and course managers, where necessary; • Liaises with UNSSC, the provider of the Moodle LMS tenancy, and participates in meetings and joint project support provided to divisions. Works closely with UNSSC focal point on setting up courses and training on the platform and performs administration and management functions on the LMS; • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of training, learning and development activities and develops appropriate reports and presentations; • Advises about devising effective evaluation processes both in terms of content (pre- and post-phases) and in terms of technology; • Generates and analysis reports and information from registration, pre-and post-surveys, user data, demographics and other metrics; works closely with other monitoring and evaluation focal points to use data and analytics to generate programmatic insights; • Makes recommendation on improving the impact and effectiveness of learning programmes on the LMS; • Identifies targets and channels to promote e-learning by suggesting tools and platforms and works closely with Communications and Outreach focal points; • Identifies need for new or modified e-learning guidelines and practices, including on branding; works to identify requirements and develops strategies to meet them; • Helps institutionalize a Quality Assurance process and standards; • Contributes to drafting and implementation of overall digital strategy and practices; • Contributes to exercises and strategies that target internal culture change and increased uptake of digital learning; • Contributes to internal learning networks and communities of practice, also by sharing relevant content and by facilitating meetings and preparing presentation material; • Incorporates gender mainstreaming, accessibility, and social inclusion in the work and makes recommendations on how to build products and services that are inclusive; • Keeps abreast of developments and new trends in the area of training and learning, within and outside the UN common system and identify innovative training and learning methodologies, tools, practices and metrics; • Assists with any other tasks, as needed.
Qualifications/special skills
Master’s degree in instructional design, pedagogy, training/capacity development, education, data analytics or other related areas. In lieu of a master’s degree, a first level degree plus two years of additional experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in instructional design, course development, pedagogy, training/capacity development, or other related areas Experience in digital engagement and/or digital tools for storytelling and learning instruction required. Experience with Moodle LMS administration required Experience with Drupal 9 including text editing in HTML desirable.
Languages
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.